What gauge wire from batteries to inverter

opnspaces wrote:
A Zamp 2000 watt pure sine model ZP-2000ps. What gauge wire would I need to get optimal use from this? (Figure 10 feet from battery to inverter).

By optimal use I'm guessing you actually mean "maximum" - if so, a 2000 watt 12 vdc input inverter would pull ~ 167 amps at full load. :E If you're "guessing" 10' from the battery to the inverter that means a 20' run so this chart tells us to carry that load over that length of cable you would need to use at least really heavy 0 AWG cable, better still 2/0 AWB. You really want to do this when you have no specific need in mind? :)



Case in point - I mounted a 1000 watt PSW inverter in my trailer's front pass through storage compartment and have 6' of 4 gauge running out to the tongue mounted battery. For full load this isn't heavy enough wire gauge but the most I ever pull at any given time with this inverter is no more than 70 amps. You might consider what you really intend to use this inverter for, then wire it for that application.

Some use an inverter "whole house", meaning the inverter's output feeds the entire trailer, either via a transfer switch or simply by plugging the trailer's main service cable into it. I did that myself initially but later wired in dedicated duplex receptacles in key locations inside the trailer, and one outside, so I can access the inverter output directly by simply plugging into those receptacles. Pics are in my gallery. :)